Program Goals

To develop an understanding of the scientific process and critical thinking and problem solving skills.

To enhance communication and information literacy skills.

To promote leadership, collaboration and teamwork.

To encourage reflective capacities.

To teach content knowledge of the various biology subdisciplines.

Objectives

The Biology program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a breadth of coursework and a focus on laboratory learning ranging from molecular to organismal topics. Undergraduate research is prominent in our program and is offered to students to learn first-hand the process of science. Presentation of research results at national meetings is encouraged. Students receive degree credit for research and internships. Recent biology graduates have been accepted to professional and graduate schools (at a rate of 50-100% each year), worked as laboratory researchers, educators, and biotechnologists.

Program Requirements

The program is designed to allow lateral shifting to other science majors if the student so desires. Students must maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA in biology courses required for the biology major. No more than half of the biology courses required for a major or minor are accepted by transfer. Please note that 300- and 400-level courses are designed for juniors and seniors.

Students choosing a double major or minor within the science program may not apply electives to more than one major or minor. Only classes listed under “required” courses that coincide with both majors/minors may be applied to both.

For course prerequisites, please refer to the course description.

Academic Major

Students in the major must complete courses in general biology, genetics, evolution and the senior seminar. The biology major also requires that students complete an additional 20 hours of biology credits (at least 16 hours must be in the 300/400 level). The major includes one year of college physics, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry and at least one semester of calculus.

Liberal Education Courses

Credit Hours

The Life Sciences and the Physical Sciences LE requirements are fulfilled by meeting major requirements.

Requirement Description

Credit Hours

I.

Foreign Language Requirement

8

.

Biology majors must complete eight credit hours in a single foreign language.

Students must take one first-level (I) and one second-level (II)
Physics course:
PHYS 151 Principles of Physics I and Lab (4)
or
PHYS 211 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Lab (4)
AND
PHYS 152 Principles of Physics II and Lab (4)
or
PHYS 212 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II and Lab (4)